Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and trace labels attached to objects. Labels contain electronically stored information. Passive tags collect the energy of radio interrogation waves from a nearby RFID reader. Active tags have a local power supply, such as a battery, and can operate hundreds of meters from the RFID reader. Unlike a bar code, the label does not need to be within the line of sight of the reader, so it may be embedded in the crawled object. RFID is a method for automatic identification and data capture (AIDC).
RFID tags are used in many industries, for example, an RFID tag attached to an automobile during production can be used to track its progress through the assembly line; RFID-labeled pharmaceuticals can be screened through warehouses; And the implantation of RFID microchips in cattle and pets allows positive identification of animals.
Because RFID tags can be connected to cash, clothing and possessions, or implanted in animals and individuals, the ability to read personally-related information without consent has raised serious privacy concerns. These concerns resulted in the development of standard specifications addressing privacy and security issues. ISO / IEC 18000 and ISO / IEC 29167 use on-chip cryptography methods for non-traceability, label and reader authentication and privacy in the air. ISO / IEC 20248 specifies a digital signature data structure for RFID and barcodes that provide data authenticity, source and method of reading. This work is done within ISO / IEC JTC 1 / SC 31 Automatic identification and data capture techniques.
In 2014, the global RFID market is worth $ 8.89 billion, more than $ 7.72 billion in 2013 and $ 6.96 billion in 2012. This includes tags, readers and Software / services for RFID cards, tags, fobs and all other form factors. The market value is expected to increase to US $ 18.68 billion by 2026.
